Sixline Wrasse, Pseudocheilinus hexataenia (Bleeker, 1857)

Introduction

The Sixline Wrasse can be recognised by its colouration. It occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West and Central Pacific.

Identification

The Sixline Wrasse can be recognised by its colouration. It is purplish with six orange stripes on the body. The cheek is orange with numerous tiny yellow dots. The caudal fin and caudal peduncle are green. There is a blue-edged black ocellus on the upper caudal peduncle.

Distribution

It occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West and Central Pacific. In Australia it is known from north-western Western Australia and the northern Great Barrier Reef to northern New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

1. Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
2. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
4. Kuiter, R.H. 2002. Fairy and Rainbow Wrasses and their Relatives. A Comprehensive Guide to Selected Labroids. TMC Publishing. Pp. 208.
5. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.